--- title: "This vet taught himself to play the piano in Saddam Hussein’s bombed out palace" date: "2020-02-05" modified: "2020-10-22" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/this-vet-taught-himself-to-play-the-piano-in-saddam-husseins-bombed-out-palace/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Music" - "Veterans" --- # This vet taught himself to play the piano in Saddam Hussein’s bombed out palace ![]() In December 2003, Michael Trotter, Jr. was a soldier stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. [His unit was camped out]() in one of Saddam Hussein's bombed-out palaces when his commanding officer discovered a piano and suggested Trotter, who enjoyed singing, check it out. --- "You had to crawl over soot and rut and rock and rubble from the war to get to this piano; it was like one of those dramatic movie scenes," Trotter told Real Clear Life. It's common for [troops to play the easier-to-transport guitar while deployed](), but not many get the chance to tickle the ivory. Trotter didn't know how to play piano, but he began to teach himself. Music became an outlet and an escape from the stress of combat. When his friend, [Army Captain Robert C. Scheetz, Jr., was killed by an IED](), Trotter wrote a song called "Dear Martha," which he then performed at Scheetz's memorial service. Trotter would [go on to sing at many more memorials](), providing solace for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. "Dear Martha" is about the letters written between loved ones divided by war. Trotter recorded the song with his wife, Tanya Blount, as part of their musical duo, [The War and Treaty](), which explores the concept of creating music out of darkness and despair to find peace, tranquility, and a higher purpose. While this video doesn't include any visuals, you can hear their tranquil notes and haunting harmonies by clicking play below — and you really, really should: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhUiyUe3u0 ([The War and Treaty]() | YouTube) ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()